Note: rescheduled to Sunday March 25th (originally scheduled for Saturday March 24th).
Joins us for the first sangha hike of the year on our local treasure in the Chuckanut and Blanchard mountains.
Enter the mountains in peaceful celebration of the recent successful action to protect Blanchard Mountain from logging with this ritual hike to Lost Lake Falls.
Carpool from Red Cedar Dharma Hall (1021 N. Forest St. in Bellingham) meeting at 9am or meet us as Cyrus Gates Overlook at the end of Cleator Road ( 224 Cleator Rd, Bellingham, WA 98229 - Discovery Pass required) at 9:30am.
We will descend from Cyrus Gates Overlook on the fabulous Rock Trail (trail info), joining the South Lost Lake Trail to come around the north end of Lost Lake and to it's hidden waterfall on the back (east) side. Lunch will be at the waterfall with expected return to the trailhead approximately 2:30pm and back to Bellingham at approximately 3pm.
Registration: Please RSVP using the registration system so we know whom to expect and where you will be meeting us.
Hike: Nomon Tim Burnett, Guiding Teacher of Red Cedar Zen Community, will give an introduction to meditation hiking. We will hike in silence and perform a trailside ritual chanting of Zen Master Dogen's great text Genjo Koan.
Our turn-around destination is the tallest waterfall in the Chuckanut Mountains. But it is hidden in such a way that many walk right by it. The Shinto faith, which heavily influenced the development of Zen in Japan, holds that Kami spirits inhabit such notably powerful features of the landscape. Our ceremony at the falls occurs while the water flow over the ledge is still high and the inhabiting spirit is presumed to be strong and emergent with the Spring season.
The hike is approximately six miles with about 600 feet of elevation loss and gain (mostly on stairs). Dress for the trail and for the weather. Bring lunch and at least two liters of water.
Carpooling: Those interested in carpooling can meet at 9:00am at the Red Cedar Dharma Hall at 1021 N. Forest St. in Bellingham, arriving at the trail head about about 9:30am. Those driving must have a Discover Pass.
If you're running late that morning please text Tim at 360-223-0687 so we know to wait for you.
Whether going direct to the trail head or meeting at Red Cedar it's essential that you use the registration system to RSVP and indicate where you'll meet us.
Background on the Saving of Blanchard Mountain
Blanchard Mountain was threatened by imminent logging. Blanchard Mountain, including Lily and Lizard Lakes and Oyster Dome, is one of the Northwest Washington’s most popular local hiking destinations, featuring specular views of the San Juan Islands. After significant citizen action and leadership from organizations like Conversation Northwest and RCZC's own Bob Penny, a previously negotiated comprehensive agreement entered into by all stake holders has been fully funded. See this article from Conversation Northwest with the details.
To come on this hike
please RSVP with the registration form. Click the "Register" button to the left to start the process. There is no charge for this event but please consider making a donation to the hike leader (
details on Dana Paramita here) using the
Dana page. Unlike our "indoor" retreats dana is not generally collected during the event but donations in one form or the other are always welcome.
Please contact Wilderness Programs Coordinator Bob Penny at bobpenny1253@gmail.com or 360-927-5702 with questions and see our Wilderness Programs webpage for an overview of this program.
